Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Mental Health System: Part 2. Policy and Systems Considerations.

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at high risk of co-occurring mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, and others. Because of symptoms associated with these illnesses and with the disabilities themselves, these individuals are often served in a mental health service system framework. In this second of two articles on care for persons with IDD in the mental health system, the authors focus on policy and systems considerations to assist practitioners and administrators to provide high-quality mental health services for these individuals by recognizing existing infrastructures of support. The authors describe historical factors, including legislation and case law, that have led to greater inclusion of persons with IDD in mainstream settings; systemic barriers to integrating services for persons with IDD and Medicaid waivers and provisions of the Affordable Care Act designed to overcome such barriers; and considerations for treating persons with IDD in various settings, such as emergency departments and forensic settings. They propose approaches to developing the workforce, such as by training direct service professionals and utilizing the services of board-certified behavioral analysts. A robust continuum of care and service delivery system that is increasingly sophisticated in working with persons with IDD, with and without co-occurring mental illness, is critical to maximize the autonomy and community inclusion of these individuals.